Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for hypertension was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating at any point during the period of appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU as his combined disability rating is only 70 percent, which does not meet the requirement of at least one disability rated at 40 percent or more with a combined rating of 70 percent or more. The Board finds that the Veteran is not unemployable solely due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or related to his period of active service, including as a result of herbicide exposure. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is not in need of regular aid and attendance, as he can perform most activities of daily living without significant assistance.

The Veteran is entitled to an initial compensable rating for his lumbosacral strain with myofascial pain of the mid back around the scapulae, and a TDIU effective November 30, 2011.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension and found new evidence that relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim. The claims for muscle and joint aches, pulmonary disorder, sinus disorder, and liver disorder were not addressed as they are considered separate issues.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, to include as a result of herbicide agent exposure or as secondary to his service-connected PTSD, is being remanded due to inadequate opinions and the need for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of type II diabetes mellitus and hypertension were granted. However, his requests for increased ratings for the ruptured flexor of the left fourth finger and scars on that finger were denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension did not begin during service or within a year of separation, and there is no evidence linking it to his period of active duty. The claim for service connection for hypertension is therefore denied.

The Veteran's PTSD and vascular dementia are rated at 70 percent, hypertension is not compensable, diabetes mellitus is not service connected due to lack of exposure to herbicides, erectile dysfunction is secondary to hypertension, cardiomyopathy with CAD and peripheral neuropathy of the legs do not meet criteria for service connection, and obstructive sleep apnea does not warrant a rating.

The Veteran's right knee disability, dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, type II, bronchial asthma, bilateral hip disability, left knee disability, bilateral ankle disability, back disability, neck disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder are not service connected.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disability, hypertension, epididymitis, and bilateral flat feet due to lack of evidence showing onset during active service or within one year of discharge. The VA examiners provided negative nexus opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's polycystic kidney disease and hypertension are service-connected, with the latter being secondary to his service-connected polycystic kidney disease.

The Veteran is granted a 70 percent rating for service-connected depressive disorder prior to July 29, 2009.,A compensable rating of 10 percent is assigned for hypertension throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant, through his representative, has withdrawn this appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and increased rating for diplopia due to incomplete development.

The Board finds that the Veteran's hypertension is caused by his service, specifically his Agent Orange exposure. As a result, the claim for service connection for hypertension is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is proximately due to his service-connected back condition, and therefore grants the claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension and a sleep disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support these conditions being related to his military service or service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, and hypertension. However, based on the current evidence, including lack of in-service diagnosis or treatment, no credible exposure to herbicides, and post-service diagnoses not linked to military service, the Veteran's claims are denied.